Spring Stone Limited has finished exploration work for rare earth elements (REE) in Chambe Basin, in southern Malawi’s Mulanje District. Surrounding communities, led by Mulanje Pasani legislator Peter Nowa and comedian Bon Kalindo, have been protesting the activities for almost a year on the grounds that local residents were not consulted and have made allegations that the company has damaged the environment around the site. Mulanje Mountain Biosphere Reserve remains on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list following the submission made by the Government of Malawi earlier this year.

Their petition gave the company seven days, subsequently extended by five days, to cease activities. This ultimatum was not observed by the company or District Council. Kalindo, the “mouthpiece” for the group of citizens, claimed they would use “traditional” methods to force the company to leave. He has made this threat on several occasions.